South Pacific Crossroads

Days 1 & 2 – USA – New Zealand

Fly to New Zealand, crossing the International Date Line.

Day 3 – Auckland

Welcome to Auckland, nicknamed the “City of Sails” because it has more boats per capita than anywhere else in the world. On a guided City Tour see the panorama of the city and its surrounding harbors from the summit of Mount Eden, an extinct volcano. Also see the Domain, a large park full of trees, gardens and playing fields, Parnell Village, containing the best-known historic sites in the city, Auckland Museum, the waterfront and Kelly Tarlton’s Underwater World and Antarctic Encounter.

Day 4 – Auckland

Travel through lush forests and farmlands to Rotorua for a guided tour of the Whakarewarewa Thermal Valley and the Maori Arts and Crafts Institute, where young Maori learn traditional carving and weaving skills. The surrounding area is a geothermal wonderland, with geysers, boiling mud pools, and steaming craters.

Day 5 – Sydney

Board a flight to Sydney, Australia. En route to your hotel, enjoy a guided Sydney City Tour. You’ll stop briefly at the world famous Bondi Beach before visiting Watson’s Bay to experience the incredible view of the Pacific Ocean. Other sights include Double Bay, Rushcutters Bay, cosmopolitan Kings Cross, Mrs. Macquarie’s Chair and the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge. Take a guided tour through the Sydney Opera House, then you’re off to see St. Mary’s Cathedral, Parliament House, Darling Harbour and Chinatown.

Day 6 – Cairns

Head out to Featherdale Wildlife Park, Sydney’s leading Koala and Wildlife Sanctuary to meet the famously cuddly Koalas and see the collection of other native animals and birds. Lunch will be served on your Sydney Harbour Cruise, where you’ll enjoy views of the Opera House, Sydney Harbour Bridge and waterfron million dollar mansions. After your cruise, say goodbye to Sydney as you jet off to Cairns.

Day 7 – Cairns

Today’s destination is the unique wilderness of the Outer Great Barrier Reef. A Marine Biologist will conduct informative lectures on marine life during the day. This is an area of extraordinary beauty; an amazing underwater world filled with color and variety. After lunch, you may swim, snorkel, or ride in a submersible coral viewer.

Day 8 – Cairns

The authentic Kuranda Scenic Railway train winds its way through dense rainforest, past majestic waterfalls and high over bottomless ravines to one of Australia’s most photographed stations at Kuranda. The colorful “village in the rainforest” has a wide range of imaginative art and craft shops, many containing local Aboriginal artifacts. Get a meaningful glimpse of a rich and ancient culture in an Aboriginal Village where you will see dancers accompanied by didgeridoo and clapstick. Journey through the lush rainforest in amphibious Army Ducks with naturalist guides; enjoy a buffet lunch; and wander through the colorful markets and other attractions before returning via Skyrail; an unforgettable 30 minute journey skimming over the palms, ferns, orchids, and the amazing animals and bird life of the rainforest canopy. Fly across the rainforest canopy as you take in the breathtaking views of the Coral Sea and Green Island, to Caravonoica Lake at the base of the range.

Day 9 – Depart

Fly home with great recollections and many souvenirs from your South Pacific Crossroads adventure.